Daily Buddhist Devotions By
Ven Dr K Sri Dhammapada Page 79-86: Jaya Mangala Gatha Stanzas of Victory Recital for Blessings and Prosperity on significant occasions These verses are recited by Buddhist devotees on many Buddhist countries on auspicious occasions such as weddings, house-warming ceremonies, felicitations and various kinds of blessing services. Children could be taught to sing the verses to the accompaniment of musical instruments. These eight verses recall the great events which took place between the Buddha and his powerful opponents, who have tried to kill him, to humiliate Him and to defeat Him, and how the Buddha overcame all these disturbances calmly and peacefully through the merits of His great virtues; and finally how He converted His opponents into following the righteous way of living. Each verse is based on a beautiful story but it is not possible to mention them in this manual. One who recites these verses regularly and mindfully following the example given by the Buddha, can overcome many difficulties. Jaya Mangala Gatha
1. Bahum sahassa mabhi nimmita Sayu dhantam Giri mekhalam udita ghora sasena maram Danadi dhamma vidhina jitava Munindo
Tam tejasa bhavatu me jaya mangalani
Creating a thousand hands armed with weapons, Mara was seated on the trumpeting, ferocious elephant Girimekhala. Him, together with his army, did the Lord of Sages subdue by means of generosity and other virtues. By the grace of this, may joyous victory be mine.
2. Marati reka mabhi
yujjhita sabba rattim Ghoram pana-lavaka makkha mathaddha yakkham Khanti sudanta vidhina jitava Munindo Tam tejasa bhavatu me jaya mangalani More violent than Mara was the obstinate demon Alavaka, who battled with the Buddha throughout the night. Him, did the Lord of Sages subdue by means of His patience and self-control. By the grace of this, may joyous victory be mine.
3. Nalagirim gaja varam ati matta bhutam Davaggi cakka masaniva su darunantam
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Mettambu seka vidhina jitava Munindo Tam tejasa bhavatu me jaya mangalani Nalagiri, the king elephant, highly intoxicated, was raging like a forest fire and was terrible as a thunderbolt. Sprinkling the waters of loving-kindness, this ferocious beast, did the Lord of Sages subdue. By the grace of this, may joyous victory be mine.
4. Ukkhitta khagga
mathihattha sudarunantam Dhavanti yojana pathan-gulimala vantam Iddhibhi sankhata mano jitava Munindo Tam tejesa bhavatu me jaya mangalani With lifted sword, for a distance of three leagues did wicked Angulimala run. Him, did the Lord of Sages subdue by his psychic powers. By the grace of this, may joyous victory be mine.
5. Katvana kattha’
mudaram iva gabhi niya Cincaya duttha vacanam janakaya majjhe Santena soma vidhina jitava Muninda Tam tejasa bhavatu me jaya mangalani Her belly bound with maggots, to simulate the bigness of pregnancy, Cinca, with harsh words made foul accusation in the midst of an assemblage. Her did the Lord of Sages subdue by His serene and graceful bearing. By the grace of this, may joyous victory be mine.
6. Saccam vihaya
matisaccaka vada ketum Vada-bhiropita nanam atiandha bhutam Panna padipa jalito jitava Munindo Tam tejasa bhavatu me jaya mangalani Haughty Saccaka, who ignored truth, was like a banner of controversy, and his vision was blinded by his own disputations. Lighting the lamp of wisdom, him, did the Lord of Sages subdue. By the grace of this, may joyous victory be mine.
7. Nando-pananda
bhujagam vibhudham mahiddhim Puttena thera Bhujagena damapayanto Iddhupadesa vidhina jitava Munindo
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Tam tejasa bhavatu me jaya mangalani The wise and powerful serpent Nandopananda, did the noble Sage subdue by psychic power through His disciple son- Thera Moggallana. By the grace of this, may joyous victory be mine.
8. Duggaha ditthi
Bhujagena sudattha hattham Brahmam visuddhi juti middhi Baka bhidhanam Nana gadena vidhina jitava Munindo Tam tejasa bhavatu me jaya mangalani The pure, radiant, majestic Brahma Baka, whose hand was grievously bitten by the snake of tenacious heresies, did the Lord of Sages cure with His Medicine of wisdom. By the grace of this, may joyous victory be mine.
9. Etapi Buddha
jaya mangala attha gatha Yo vacako dina dine sarate matandi Hitvana neka vividhani c’upaddavani Mokkham sukham adhi gameyya naro sapanno The wise one, who daily recites and earnestly remembers these eight verses of joyous victory of the Buddha, will get rid of various misfortunes and gain the bliss of Nibbana. Page 93-99 Mangala Sutta Discourse on Blessings Recital for Blessings on auspicious occasions The Buddha uttered the following Sutta to explain the attainment of real blessings. The Sutta itself tells us of the background and the significance of this famous discourse. The Buddha clarified the doubts of the Devas ( gods ) when they wanted to know what constituted a real blessing. In the Buddhist sense a ‘blessing’ is not something which is given by a divine being, but a state of well-being which arises within oneself when one lives righteously, maintains human dignity, and creates a healthy environment.
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It is customary to recite this Sutta on auspicious occasions. This Sutta is not just for recital. Devotees must also understand its meaning and put its principles into practice. It is by practicing the advice given in this Sutta that one can receive ‘blessings’. Here, we find the ethical, moral and spiritual teachings of the Master for the guidance of devotees. The discourse tells us that the Buddha’s teachings are not confined to the philosophical and psychological aspects of the religion but extends to the field of social service and the cultivation of self-discipline. Since these verses are supposed to be the original words of the Buddha, Buddhist devotees have high respect for and confidence in them.
Mangala Sutta Evam me sutam Ekam samayam bhagava Savatthiyam viharati Jetavane Anatha-pindikassa arame Atha kho annatara devata Abhikkantaya rattiya abhikkanta vanna Kevala kappam Jetavanam Obhasetva Yena bhagava tenupasam-kami Upasam kamitva bhagavantam Abhivadetva ekamantam atthasi Ekamantam thita kho sa devata Bhagavantam gathaya ajjhabhasi Thus I have heard: On one occasion the Blesses One, Was dwelling at the monastery of Anathapindika in Jeta’s Grove mear Savatthi. When the night was far spent, A certain deity whose surpassing splendour illuminated the entire Jeta Grove, Came to the presence of the Blessed one, and drawing near, respectfully saluted and stood at one side. Standing thus, he addressed the Blessed One in verse: 1. Bahu deva manussa ca
Mangalani acintayum Akankha-mana sotthanam Bruhi mangala muttamam Many deities and men, yearning after good, Have pondered on Blessings. Pray, tell me the Supreme Blessing.
2. Asevana ca balanam
Panditanan ca sevana Puja ca puja-niyanam Etam mangala muttamam Not to follow or associate with fools, To associate with the wise, And honour those who are worthy of honour. This is the Supreme Blessing.
3. Patirupa-desa vaso ca
Pubbe ca kata-punnata Atta samma panidhi ca Etam mangala muttamam To reside in a suitable locality, To have done meritorious actions in the past, and to have set oneself on the right course ( towards emancipation ). This is the Supreme Blessing.
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4. Bahu saccanca sippanca Vinayo ca susikkhito Subhasita ca ya vaca Etam mangala muttamam Vast-learning, perfect handicraft, A highly trained discipline and pleasant speech. This is the Supreme Blessing.
5. Mata pitu upatthanam
Putta darassa sangaho Anakula ca kammanta Etam mangala muttamam The support of father and mother, The cherishing of wife and children and peaceful occupations, This is the Supreme Blessing.
6. Danam ca dhamma-cariya ca
Natakananca sangaho Anavajjani kammani Etam mangala muttamam Liberality, righteous conduct, The helping of relatives and blameless actions, This is the Supreme Blessing.
7. Arati virati papa
Majja-pana ca sannamo Appa-mado ca dhammesu Etam mangala muttamam To cease and and abstain from evil, forbearance with respect to intoxicants and steadfastness in virtue. This is the Supreme Blessing.
8. Garavo ca nivato ca Santutthi ca katannuta Kalena dhamma savanam Etam mangala muttamam Reverence, humility, Contentment, gratitude and opportune hearing of the Dhamma. This is the Supreme Blessing.
9. Khanti ca Sovacassata, Samana nanca dassanam Kalena dhamma sakaccha Etam mangala muttamam
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Patience, obedience, sight of the Samanas ( holy men ) And religious discussions at due season. This is the Supreme Blessing.
10. Tapo ca brahma cariyaca Ariya saccana dassanam Nibbana sacchi kiriyaca Etam mangala muttamam
Self-control, pure life, perception of the Noble Truths
and the realization of Nibbana. This is the Supreme Blessing.
11. Putthasa loka dhammehi
Cittam yassa na kampati Asokam virajam khemam Etam mangala muttamam
He whose mind does not flutter, by contact with worldly contingencies, sorrowless, stainless and secure. This is the Supreme Blessing.
12. Eta-disani katvana
Sabbattha maparajita Sabbattha sotthim gacchanti Tam tesam mangala-muttamamti
To them, fulfilling matters such as these, everywhere invincible, in every way moving happily. These are the Supreme Blessings.
Morning and Evening
Recitals in Place of Prayer (Pg 113-119)
Reciting these devotional verses can calm and develop confidence in the mind. And it takes only a few minutes. You need not always use the words given here. You may add your own to suit your particular need or situation. These verses can also be used for group functions such as after a Dhamma talk or during a Buddha puja. Before the start of the recital, put aside all distracting thoughts. Lighten your heart and purify your mind. Pause and reflect on the words and let them meet up your mind’s door. If someone you know is facing some difficulties, send him or her your compassionate thoughts. Wish that he or she will overcome the troubles and be happy. At the start of a day, cheer up your mind to be positive and energetic. Lift your heart with good and loving thoughts for the rest of the day.
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In the evening, relect on your day’s actions. Rejoice over your good actions but learn from your mistakes by not repeating them.
Impress upon your mind to be stronger, wiser and happier. Invite the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha into your life for guidance and protection. Take the Buddha, the ideal of Love and Compassion, Wisdom and Purity, as your Spiritual Ideal in your thoughts and action. Follow the Dhamma everyday and in every way to fulfil your aspirations. Follow the example of the noble Sangha who liberated themselves through diligence. The daily devotions in Pali should be recited with confidence and reverence. For those who prefer to do their devotions in English, the two short verses that follow, one for the morning and one for the evening, can be recited. A short Recital in Place of Prayer for Blessing and Protection at Any Time Sabbe Buddha balappatta Paccekananca yan balan Arahan tananca tejena Rakkhan bandhami sabbaso By the ( protective ) power of all the Buddhas, Pacceka Buddhas and all Arahants We secure our protection in very way. Sabbitiyo vivajjantu Sabbarogo vinassatu Mame bhavattvan tarayo Sukhi dighayuko bhava May all misfortunes be warde off, may all ailments cease; may no calamities befall us; May I live long in peace. Bhavatu sabba mangalan Rakkhantu sabba devata Sabba buddhanu bhavena Sada sotthi bhavantu me May all blessings be upon me. May all devas ( deities ) protect me. By the protective power of all The Buddhas may safety ever be mine. Nakkhatta yakkha bhutanan Papaggaha nivarana Parittassanu bhavena Hantva maiham upaddave By the power of this Paritta ( Protection ) May I be free from all dangers arising From malign influences of the planets, demons and spirits. May our misfortunes vanish.
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Yan dunnimittan avamangalanca Yocamanapo sakunassa saddo Papapggaho dussupinan akantan Buddhanu bhavena vinasamentu By the power of the Buddha may all evil omens and untoward circumstances, the omnious cry of birds the malign conjunctions of the stars, And evil dreams be vanished. Dukkhappattaca niddukkha Bhayappattaca nibbhaya Sokappattaca nissoka Hontu sabbepi panino Let those who are in misery Be free from misery; Let those who are in fear, ( agony and insecure ) be free from fear, agony and insecurity ; Let those who are in sorrow be free from sorrow and Let all living beings be free from misery, fear and sorrow. Devo vassatu kalena Sassa sampatti hetuca Phito bhavatu lokoca Raja bhavatu dhammiko May the rains fall in due season; may there be a rich harvest; may the world prosper; May the ruler be righteous.
Extracted From The Book : Daily Buddhist Devotions
The Full Text is on Sale and can be obtained from: Buddhist Missionary Society
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